Are you looking for an elegant appetizer that requires almost no work? Then you’re going to love these frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer. In just about 15 minutes, you’ll have a fan favorite that’s cooked perfectly and tastes delicious.
I really love bacon wrapped scallops to begin with, but this recipe makes it so simple. You can either buy already frozen bacon-wrapped scallops, or just wrap some when you have spare time and store them in the freezer for the busy holiday season.
When you want to cook them up, there’s no need to defrost. Just throw them in your air fryer! You’ll get perfectly crisp bacon and succulent scallops, and you only need to flip them occasionally. I mean, how easy is that?
If that wasn’t enough, bacon wrapped scallops are naturally Keto friendly (just watch the seasonings and sauces) so they’re flexible for dietary needs!
For an easy entrée option that also cooks from frozen, check out this recipe for air fryer frozen scallops in a garlic butter sauce!
What You Need For This Recipe
1 lb frozen bacon wrapped scallops, any brand (about 16 large scallops)
Seasoning (optional)
Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips & Recommendations
Wrapped scallops. Aldi, Costco, and Omaha Steaks have the best frozen bacon wrapped scallops. If you want to prepare your own instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around a sea scallop and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
Seasoning. This is optional, but you can sprinkle ½ tsp (or more to taste) of seasoning over the scallops before cooking if desired. I like barbecue, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or paprika
Dipping sauce. These scallops are great on their own, but you can serve with a dipping sauce if you like. I recommend garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade
How to Make Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Season your scallops if desired with ½ tsp seasoning (optional)
Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between each one
Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the scallop inside should reach at least 130°F
Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
Can You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in an air fryer.
They do not need to be defrosted ahead of time and may be cooked directly from frozen.
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer?
You should cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
The time may vary slightly depending on the size of your scallops and your particular air fryer, but this is a good estimate.
Pro Tips for This Recipe
There’s no need to add additional oil; the bacon has enough natural fat
Toothpicks are safe for your air fryer; no need to remove them until after cooking
If your frozen scallops are stuck together, use your fingers to carefully pry them apart. Do not use the toothpicks for this, as they may snap
A serving is typically 2-3 scallops depending on size, so you’ll get around 6-8 from a pound. Cooking time doesn’t change based on quantity (as long as your air fryer has room), so adjust to your needs
Making frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer is such a simple way to get an elegant appetizer on the table in very little time. It takes some more hassle out of the holidays, and always makes our Feast of the Seven Fishes.
This easy Keto friendly appetizer is cooked from frozen and on the table in 15 minutes or less. Whether you use pre-made or prepare your own in advance, it’s a huge timesaver for entertaining.
Place frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, allowing air space between each one
Cook on air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 400°F, pausing to flip every 5 minutes
They are done when the bacon is browned, crispy, and a minimum of 145°F, while the scallop inside should reach at least 130°F
Add additional time in 1-2 minute increments if needed and check frequently to prevent overcooking
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon, or on their own!
Notes
Seasoning is optional (they’re delicious without any as well). I recommend barbecue, Old Bay, Cajun, or paprika, but use what you like!
Dipping sauce suggestions: garlic butter, Yum Yum sauce, hot honey, maple syrup, or remoulade (but it’s not needed, totally optional)
If you want to prepare your own frozen bacon wrapped scallops instead of buying pre-made, wrap ½ slice of bacon around a sea scallop and secure with a toothpick. Freeze for up to 3 months
As long as there is space in your air fryer, cooking time doesn’t change for more or less scallops, so you can adjust based on needs
Toothpicks are safe for air fryer use. Do not remove until ready to consume
There is no need to add any oil for cooking (bacon has enough of its own)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, quantity consumed, and any seasoning or sauces used, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
